If you are interested in anthropology, you may have heard of Nancy Scheper-Hughes. She is a renowned anthropologist who has made significant contributions to the field throughout her career. Her work has focused on issues such as violence, death, and the human body, and she has conducted research in various parts of the world. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Nancy Scheper-Hughes and discuss some of her most notable achievements.

Early Life and Education

Nancy Scheper-Hughes was born on July 29, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, and she grew up in a working-class family. She attended public schools in Brooklyn and later went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her bachelor's degree in philosophy and anthropology in 1966 and her Ph.D. in anthropology in 1972.

Early Career

After completing her Ph.D., Scheper-Hughes began her career as an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. She later joined the faculty at the University of Amsterdam, where she taught for several years. During this time, she conducted fieldwork in Ireland and Brazil, studying issues such as poverty, hunger, and health care.

Notable Contributions

Scheper-Hughes has made numerous contributions to the field of anthropology throughout her career. One of her most notable achievements is her work on violence and death. She has written extensively on topics such as genocide, torture, and the social construction of death. Her book "Death Without Weeping: The Violence of Everyday Life in Brazil" is a groundbreaking study of the high infant mortality rate in a Brazilian shantytown.

Other Work

In addition to her work on violence and death, Scheper-Hughes has also conducted research in the field of medical anthropology. She has studied issues such as organ trafficking, the global trade in human body parts, and the ethics of organ donation. Her work in this area has been influential in shaping public policy and has raised awareness about the ethical implications of these practices.

Awards and Honors

Scheper-Hughes has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1992, she was awarded the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, also known as the "genius grant," for her work on violence and death. She has also been awarded the Margaret Mead Award, the highest honor in the field of anthropology, and has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Legacy

Scheper-Hughes has had a significant impact on the field of anthropology and has inspired many other anthropologists to pursue research in areas such as violence, death, and the human body. Her work has also had a broader impact on society, raising awareness about issues such as poverty, hunger, and the global trade in human body parts. Scheper-Hughes continues to be an influential figure in the field of anthropology and her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of scholars.

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